Working From Home in the Time of Coronavirus

Let’s talk about the coronavirus.

I know, it’s kind of hard not to, since epidemiologists are predicting that between 40 percent and 70 percent of the world’s population could contract it, upfronts and other major events are being cancelled, and people are fighting over toilet paper in stores.

But there is one angle I’d like to address that may become a reality for you: telecommuting or working from home to help slow the spread of the virus.

It sounds appealing, I am sure.

Rolling out of bed and shuffling over to your computer in your PJs, knowing you don’t have to brave the morning commute or share a bathroom with your colleagues.

But it can be challenging.

I know from experience.

I’ve been working from home for a very, very long time, and it requires a certain degree of discipline and preparation if you want to remain focused and productive instead of mainlining Love is Blind.

If circumstances are such that you find yourself entering the brave new world of working from home, I’d like to give you a few tips to help make that transition easier:

·       Create a dedicated workspace: I cannot stress the importance of this enough. You need a purpose-driven space, not only so you can work without distractions or interruptions but also so you can walk away from it at the end of the day. Otherwise, you never really leave work.

·       Invest in a proper setup: It is one thing to have a space where you can work. But if you’re sitting at a table in a kitchen chair or on a big poofy couch, you’re not going to stay motivated long and you might develop work-related injuries. A purpose-built office chair and desk are essential, but also think about things such as placement of your computer screen and keyboard for added comfort and ease.

·       Ensure your tech is reliable: Not just your computer or printer but also your high speed or any other tech you use to do business, because there is nothing worse than realizing your email is not being received or encountering other glitches when you are working on a time-sensitive project.

·       Keep to a schedule: When you work from home, there’s less scrutiny or oversight, so it is easier to slack off or get distracted. You don’t have to be nine-to-five, but if you set a daily schedule for when to start, when to stop, what you will do, and when you will do it that takes into account when you feel most productive, you can stay focused and get work done without wondering what’s new on Netflix.

·       Make your computer distraction-free: Speaking of Netflix, if you have apps like that or browser shortcuts for Facebook or Twitter on your computer, make sure you log out of them or set your browser to private so you avoid the temptation to chat or stream instead of getting work done.

·       Take breaks: Yes, it is important to avoid distractions, but you can also get so task focused that you forget you have time and space for a stretch break, so take them. It could be 10 seconds of standing for every 20 minutes you work, or arm, neck, and back stretches to prevent task-related injuries, or a brisk walk around the block, but each break is a chance to recharge and approach a project with a fresh frame of mind.

·       Stay connected: Working from home can be very isolating. If you are not an introvert, you are going to find it somewhat unsettling, so reach out to your coworkers for updates to maintain the sense that you are still part of a team and ensure that you and your colleagues are on schedule. Or, plan lunch get-togethers to socialize and catch-up. Just be sure to bring lots of hand sanitizer for everyone.

There are many other ways you can navigate working from home, from talking to your partner and kids about your needs and expectations to the music you choose to motivate you, but the more thought you give to how you telecommute, the easier it will be. And you don’t have to worry about the scrutiny you’ll get for your lunchtime choices, doing a downward dog pose midday, or whether you have the whole bathroom to yourself. Unless your partner works from home too. Or you have a cat.

Do you telecommute? Are there tips I missed that you found helpful for working at home without distractions from that pile of laundry in the bedroom or the cat hopping up on your desk during an important call? I’d be delighted to hear your advice and thoughts on how to telecommute effectively.